• Three color scheme choices (classic, black/white, Florida; green/blue/red)
• INCREDIBLE word prediction that saves keystrokes and is based on 10 million tweets, pop-culture references and idioms
• FABULOUS cursor options for appearance, stabilization and hand orientation (allows the keyboard to adjust for users with an upright or turned hand) – perfect for those with muscle weakness or tremors
• Options for multiple users
• Adjustments for the size of the keys by pinching for a larger or smaller key and dragging keys to specific locations on the keyboard so that it best meets the users’ needs
• Intuitive and easy navigation for setup and use
• Custom programmable keys can be any character, word or embedded frequent phrase

QWERTY Template in the Florida color scheme – NOTE: the spoken text bar has been placed at the bottom and the prediction at the top in this photo but options allow the user to place the bars where best suited for the user

Optimus Template in the Florida color scheme – NOTE: the prediction and spoken text bar have been turned off in the settings and do not display in this image.

Common Words Template in the Classic color scheme – NOTE: this image is in edit mode depicting the tab options for adding more common words. Just drag a tile from the bottom to add more words.

Blank Template in Classic color scheme – NOTE: this image shows how a key can be adjusted in size for the name ‘Jose’ to offer extra visual support for the user. There are also four additional pages that can be made under this template by editing the side buttons where I have added Names and Games. Also, in order for the spoken name ‘Jose” to be pronounced accurately remember to adjust the say option when editing specific keys that may need it. For this key the LABEL box has Jose for key display, the TYPE box has Jose so that the name Jose is typed into the text bar for speaking, and the SAY box has “Hosay” so that it is pronounced properly.

123 Template in Black/White color scheme NOTE: this image displays a picture of the cursor (which can be enlarged in settings) for the user to have an accurate touch of the key.

Blank Template in Florida color scheme Note: these images portray a blank template customized with a tab for NAMES (peer names display) and GAMES (your turn/my turn). You will notice on the left side of the screen that each blank template has four tabs to create specific customized keyboards. The images show two tabs each; Names and Games and the remaining two are still available to be customized.

RocketKeys is a powerful text to speech AAC app that has options galore for customizing. Above I have shown just some of the keyboards. The keyboard options are limitless. I highly recommend this app for those looking for one of the best text to speech AAC options out there.

Suggestions for future updates:

• Include more spoken voice options
• Ability to customize (move) the space bar that currently remains static with in the template options
• A built-in tutorial manual for help (NOTE: the MyVoice website offers lots of helpful information and webinars)

About the Author

Jackie Bryla is a school based SLPA in California. Her experience includes working with transitional kindergarten through high school age students as well as the functional skills population in the public schools. She regularly presents iPad Trainings for California State University Sacramento, American River College and San Joaquin Delta College speech and language programs. Jackie is also founder of act – Apps, Consulting and Training. She is an app beta tester for educational app developers. Jackie is a board member for the California Speech Language Hearing Association (CSHA) and is an active CSHA District 2 Advisory Committee member in the Sacramento area. Jackie received the outstanding SLPA for CSHA in 2012.